Wonderful vegan recipes for World Vegan Month

Every November, World Vegan Month is celebrated by vegans around the world, raising awareness about the many benefits of a plant-based diet. 

Data shows that interest in veganism is on the rise. Last year, the UK was the leading source of vegan-related searches on Google.  

There remains some uncertainty about plant-based foods, with internet searches like “what is a vegan diet?” and “is maple syrup vegan?” incredibly common. 

In celebration of World Vegan Month, we decided to take a look at the benefits of a vegan diet and share some of our favourite recipes for you to try at home. 

The benefits of a vegan diet

Switching to a vegan diet that includes a wide variety of nutrients offers a number of potential health benefits. Plant-based diets are usually low in fats like cholesterol, which can help with weight loss and may also reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Many vegan staples, including whole grains, nuts and seeds, are high in fibre, an essential material for good digestive health. Substituting meat for plant-based alternatives may also help in the prevention of cancer. 

Vegan diets aren’t just good for the body; they’re also great for the planet. Meat and dairy production accounts for around 14.5% of human-induced carbon emissions, with plant-based food production generally requiring less energy. 

Choosing plant-based foods over animal products can therefore directly reduce your carbon footprint. Indirectly, it can help to protect biodiversity and slow deforestation linked to agricultural production.  

Maple syrup: the vegan-friendly sweetener

A common misconception with vegan diets is that they’re less versatile and flavoursome than omnivorous diets. This simply isn’t true; plant-based foods are incredibly varied and combine to form a unique mix of tastes and textures. 

One such ingredient is pure maple syrup. This vegan-friendly sweetener can be used to enrich a range dishes. Maple syrup is sourced sustainably from maple trees in Québec, Canada, with maple syrup production closely monitored and regulated by the Canadian government. 

This makes maple syrup a great alternative to honey, as well as some sugars and artificial sweeteners that may not be vegan. As a natural ingredient, maple syrup is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support a healthy body. 

Plant-based recipes for World Vegan Month

We’ve shared some of our favourite vegan recipes for you to try during World Vegan Month. 

Vegan iced coffee

This vegan iced coffee is incredibly simple and refreshing. Soya milk and espresso are combined with maple syrup and vanilla extract, adding a splash of sweetness to your standard fix of caffeine.  

If you want an even sweeter iced latte, substitute the soya milk for hazelnut milk or simply increase the serving of maple syrup to three tablespoons. 

Vegan poutine

Poutine is a classic Canadian comfort food consisting of french fries, cheese curds and gravy. Our vegan poutine uses plant-based ingredients, meaning even vegans can enjoy this indulgent dish! 

Cashews are combined with coconut oil, miso paste and nutritional yeast to create a cheesy mixture, while dairy-free cream and butter form the basis of the vegan gravy. 

Vegan Thai green curry

This vegan Thai green curry is packed with plant-based goodness! Fresh asparagus, sweet potatoes and roasted cashews are paired with a rich and fragrant curry sauce. 

Natural sweetness is provided by the maple syrup and maple sugar, a combination that perfectly complements the sour lime juice and spicy chilli flakes.

Vegan chocolate fondant

This vegan chocolate fondant, made with almond milk and dairy-free spread, is easy to prepare and every bit as indulgent as a dairy-based dessert. 

Maple syrup, maple sugar, cocoa powder and dark chocolate combine to create a deliciously sweet dessert with a decadent, melt-in-the-middle core.

Like the sound of these vegan recipes? Make sure to check out the rest of our recipes with maple syrup!